Flames trade for Calgarian T.J. Galiardi

Kristen Odland, Calgary Herald07.02.2013

San Jose Sharks left wing T.J. Galiardi (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Having idolized Theoren Fleury growing up in Northeast Calgary and having played his Western Hockey League career just down the hall at the Scotiabank Saddledome, you could say T.J. Galiardi has always been a bit of a fan of the Flames.

“I always kind of watch the Flames a little,” the 25-year-old was saying on a Tuesday afternoon scorcher in the city of Calgary. “It’s one of those things that when you’re a fan of the team, even when you play against them you can still like them a little. I’d always watch.”

Even as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. And even as a member of the San Jose Sharks.

So, then, there was no need to fill him in on the latest happenings with his hometown team when it was announced that the Flames had engineered a trade and sign deal for the former Calgary Hitmen forward on Tuesday, sending the Sharks a fourth-round draft pick in 2015 and inking Galiardi to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million.

“It was pretty public knowledge of what’s going on there,” said Galiardi, who also spent time with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Calgary Royals. “(The Flames) got rid of a lot of guys that have been there for a long time, including Jarome (Iginla) . . . but I like the way they’re going.”

The path, according to general manager Jay Feaster, is younger, faster, and stronger. And, hopefully, better.

Which was no different from Galiardi’s second year in the NHL when he played 70 games with the Avalanche during the 2009-10 season.

“I went through a rebuild in Colorado and we ended up making the playoffs that first year — kind of a Cinderella story,” he recalled of the short-lived 2009-2010 first-round series the Avalanche had against the San Jose Sharks. “I realized it’s not really about what you have on paper, it’s about the relationships you have as teammates and coaches.

“The chemistry you build throughout the year. It doesn’t matter who is on the team, there is so much parity in the league and you can make a splash. I’m hoping we can do that in Calgary.”

Drafted to the Avalanche (55th overall) in 2007, he spent nearly four full seasons in their system before being traded to San Jose at the trade deadline in 2011-12. In total, he has 221 NHL games under his belt over five seasons, amassing 39 goals and 48 assists.

Galiardi, who just purchased a house in Calgary this past winter, is coming off the best season of his career in which, he says, he was playing the “best hockey of his life.”

The six-foot-two, 190-pounder played on San Jose’s top line with Joe Thornton in the Sharks’ playoff run, scoring a goal and an assist in 11 playoff games.“I think it legitimized me as a top-six forward,” he said. “You can see the depth we had on our team and the fact I was able to play with those guys, shows that I’m ready to take on a role like that. I’m hoping it will transfer over to Calgary.”

Heading into the summer, a trade was the furthest thing from Galiardi’s mind.

But as free agency drew closer, Galiardi was told he’d be moved and worked with Sharks general manager Doug Wilson to find a suitable fit. Then, when he heard Calgary was among possible suitors, they tried their hardest to make a deal.

“A no brainer for me,” Galiardi said. “I’ve wanted to play for Calgary my entire life. Even since I was a little kid. It’s kind of a dream come true that it’s finally going to happen.

“When they said Calgary, I didn’t really need to hear the other teams . . . not only is it the place that had my heart, it’s a perfect fit for me as a player. Kind of where they are right now and what they need. I think it’ll be good for both sides, for sure.

“When I told my family, they were stoked . . . it’s kind of surreal for me, I still have a smile on my face.”

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